An Ancient Herb For Modern Times

Garlic has been used by mankind for health enhancement for centuries. Today garlic is recognized by many conventional and alternative health care providers as an important herbal medicine.

Garlic's Most Recognized Use Today
The beneficial cardiovascular effects of garlic were essentially rediscovered in the late 1960's and are today the best known association with garlic. These beneficial effects may include:

• Lowering total cholesterol level, and improving the LDL/HDL ratio.
• Helping to lower high blood pressure.
• Reducing the risk for inappropriate blood clotting .
• Preventing and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis the formation of blockages to blood flow in the arteries.

Garlic offers a significant reduction in the risk for heart attack by its ability to improve total cholesterol levels and to develop a more favourable ratio between the cholesterol known as 'good cholesterol,' or high density lipoprotein (HDL) and the so-called 'bad cholesterol' or low density lipoprotein (LDL). According to numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, patients with elevated cholesterol using commercial garlic preparations providing at least 4000 micrograms of allicin, can realize a 10 to 12 percent reduction in total cholesterol. The ideal ratio between LDL and HDL can be better realized since garlic, provides on average a 15 percent reduction in the 'bad' cholesterol or LDL and on average a 10 percent increase in the 'good' cholesterol or HDL.

In the matter of lowering blood pressure, garlic has demonstrated a significant effect in animals and humans. The range of reduction for systolic pressure, the upper number in your doctors report, is 20 to 30 millimeters on the column of mercury in your doctor's measuring equipment. The range of reduction on the diastolic pressure, or the lower number in your report, is 10 to 20 millimeters.

Inappropriate blood clotting is a very important consideration since it can lead to a heart attack by plugging a coronary artery, lead to stroke by plugging a brain artery or lead to a life threatening blood clot in the lungs. Normally, the body maintains a balance between coagulation clotting and the reversal of coagulation.

When it is appropriate, clotting can save our lives. However, as we grow older and develop arteriosclerosis, there is a greater risk for inappropriate blood clots to form. Garlic is able to improve the balance, even with the greater risk of growing older. In this way, garlic provides a more natural alternative to taking ASA each day, which is used to lower the risk of inappropriate clotting. However, if your physician has prescribed daily ASA, you should discuss garlic's added blood thinning before using it in addition to ASA or other blood thinners.

And finally, garlic can reduce the risk of forming atherosclerosis, the formation of blockages to blood flow, by preventing inappropriate oxidation of the LDL cholesterol. Scientist are confident that LDL oxidation is a central factor in the development of blocked arteries and that garlic can reduce the risk of oxidation. In this way, garlic is like many other natural substances that have an antioxidant effect such as vitamin E and grape seed extract.

Other Benefits Of Garlic
Regular use of garlic supplementation has been associated with reduced risk of cancer, enhanced control of blood sugar for diabetics and enhanced immunity. Garlic has demonstrated a significant capacity to inhibit Candida albicans, the yeast responsible for yeast infection. Garlic has shown itself to be equal or better than nystatin, gentian violet and other reputed antifungal agents.

Recommended Dosage
Commercial products should supply a dose of at least 10,000 micrograms of alliin or a total allicin of at least 4000 micrograms. This amount is equal to approximately 4 grams or one clove of fresh garlic. Use according to manufacturers' recommendations.

Adverse Effects
Garlic is nontoxic to the vast majority of users at recommended dosages. Some have found garlic's sulfur compounds too irritating and either resolve the matter by taking with food or discontinuing altogether. Using garlic according to manufactures' recommendations is not associated with toxicity. Those using a pharmaceutical blood thinner or frequent ASA should not use garlic without discussing usage with their physician. Those planning an operation should avoid heavy garlic consumption to prevent post operative bleeding. Diabetics using insulin or oral diabetic medication should discuss garlic use with their physician since garlic lowers blood sugar. Those who are prone to hypoglycemia should use with caution since garlic can lower blood sugar significantly.